National Museum of Serbia
The National Museum of Serbia was founded in 1844 by a decree of the head of the Ministry of Education, Jovan Sterija Popović, and represents the oldest museum institution in Serbia. This institution also includes the Gallery of Frescoes, the Lepenski Vir Museum, the Archaeological Museum of Đerdap, the Museum of Vuk and Dositej, and the Memorial Museum of Nadežda and Rastko Petrović. The museum holds archaeological, numismatic, and art collections of Serbian and Yugoslav art, as well as works by world-renowned artists such as Botticelli, Rembrandt, Degas, Monet, and Vincent van Gogh.
The archaeological collection of the National Museum boasts a rich array of finds ranging from early prehistory to the Middle Ages. The prehistoric department consists of objects from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Eneolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages. The Paleolithic and Mesolithic collection includes artifacts spanning a vast chronological range from 500,000 to 10,000 years old. Notable highlights include the unique hominid jawbone fossil from the Mala Balanica site, estimated to be 397,000–525,000 years old, as well as the monumental stone sculptures from Lepenski Vir. The Neolithic collection, equally diverse and significant, features numerous artifacts such as ceramic vessels, various stone and bone tools, and jewelry. Of particular importance are ritual objects, including altars, figurines, and painted vessels.
The collection of later prehistory (Eneolithic, Bronze, and Iron Ages) includes objects made from various materials, with notable examples such as Mramorac-type belts, precious metal jewelry, and Celtic weapons. The antique collection consists of artifacts from the Greek-Hellenistic period, the Roman imperial era, Late Antiquity, and the Early Byzantine period. In addition, there is a numismatic collection featuring ancient and late antique coins, an epigraphic and anepigraphic monument collection, and a collection dedicated to finds from the Kosmaj and Đerdap sites. The medieval collection spans from the early to the late Middle Ages, containing artifacts from Serbian and Byzantine art, medieval coins and seals, post-Byzantine art, copies of frescoes, and casts of sculptures and monuments.
Through its dedicated efforts in preserving, protecting, and expanding its collections, as well as through numerous exhibitions, publishing activities, and educational programs for children, youth, and the elderly, the National Museum of Serbia has become a space where visitors can explore and appreciate the richness, uniqueness, and beauty of cultural heritage.
